Golf alignment stick

ABSTRACT

A portable golf alignment training aid comprises a pair of telescoping sticks that can be extended to different lengths and optionally connected together. The telescoping sticks can be easily stored and transported in a pocket of a conventional golf bag.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/712,646 filed Oct. 11, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to the game of golf, and particularly to an improved device for helping the golfer properly align his or her body when striking the golf ball. Traditional alignment sticks are too long to be easily carried in a golf bag, and can be cumbersome to use. However, if golfers don't use these sticks, they may not align their body properly when hitting the ball.

2. Description of the Related Art

U.S. Pat. No. 4,079,940 to Arakaki describes a golf shot alignment device that is attached by means of clips to the cap of a golfer and helps align the golfer's eyes to the golf ball on the ground or tee. This device does not provide alignment of the golfer's body with respect to the desired direction of hit.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,366,563 to Kuhlman describes a cumbersome golf training and alignment device that uses a plurality of lasers or other light sources to produce visible lines on or near the ground to help align the golfer's body for proper striking of the golf ball. There are some telescoping rods disclosed, but only for use in combination with the light source arrangement. Not only is this alignment device bulky and time consuming to set up, it also requires an electrical source for powering the lasers or other light sources.

There is thus a need for a golf alignment stick that can be easily set up and used, and that can be easily carried in a golf bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes a golf alignment training aid. The device comprises a pair of telescoping sticks that can be retracted for carrying inside a conventional golf bag. The sticks include a connector which allows for attachment of both sticks together for ease of transport. The device adjusts to different lengths, allowing for easy storage and transportation in the pockets on a golf bag. This provides golfers with a portable training tool to reinforce golf swing fundamentals, and ensures proper alignment of the body when striking a golf ball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of the present invention. The device comprises an alignment stick for teaching proper golf swing technique. The device includes a pair of telescoping sticks that include a connector, which allows the stick to be quickly assembled for use and broken down to a smaller size for storage. The device can be adjusted to different lengths, based on the drill being performed, or the size of the user.

The alignment device of the present invention comprises a pair of sticks, which are similar in appearance to a pointer. The device is preferably constructed from metal, graphite, fiberglass, or another suitable material. The sticks preferably include telescoping sections that allow for extension in length as needed, and retraction when finished. The smallest end of each stick may have a pointed section, allowing it to be wedged into the ground if desired.

The sticks further include corresponding clips for easy storage. An optional bag in which to store the sticks may also be included. Such a bag will easily fit in a golf bag pocket. In this way, the present invention provides the golfer with an easy and convenient way to store, transport, and use alignment sticks to improve his or her swing.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended claims. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A golf alignment device, comprising: a first telescoping stick extendable in length from a first length to a second, greater length; a second telescoping stick extendable in length from a first length to a second, greater length; and a connector for connecting said first telescoping stick and said second telescoping stick end-to-end.
 2. The golf alignment device of claim 1, wherein one end of each of said first and second telescoping sticks is smaller in diameter than the opposite end, and wherein each said smaller diameter ends is tapered to a point.
 3. The golf alignment device of claim 1, wherein each of said first and second telescoping sticks is made of a metal material.
 4. The golf alignment device of claim 1, wherein each of said first and second telescoping sticks is made of graphite.
 5. The golf alignment device of claim 1, wherein each of said first and second telescoping sticks is made of fiberglass.
 6. The golf alignment device of claim 1, further comprising: at least one clip for attaching the first and second telescoping sticks together for storage purposes.
 7. The golf alignment device of claim 1, further comprising: a storage bag for storing said first and second telescoping sticks. 